Northeast Frontier Railway records first full-rake freight loading in Meghalaya

By Admin

05 Jan, 2026

Introduction
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has achieved a historic milestone by successfully completing Meghalaya’s first-ever full-rake outbound freight loading. This development marks a significant step forward in strengthening the state’s rail connectivity and integrating it more closely with India’s national freight network.

Historic Coal Dispatch from Mendipathar
According to NFR officials, the landmark coal consignment was dispatched on December 28 from Mendipathar railway station to Jalalgarh in Bihar’s Purnia district. The operation involved a complete rake of 42 covered wagons and was completed in just over eight and a half hours. The smooth execution highlighted strong coordination, efficient planning, and high operational preparedness by railway personnel.

Mendipathar’s Growing Freight Capability
This shipment represents the first instance of outbound railway freight loading from Meghalaya, placing the state firmly on the rail freight map of India. Mendipathar, the only railway station in Meghalaya, had earlier recorded its first freight unloading on February 4 last year. Between February and December 2025, the station handled 29 mini-rakes and six full rakes, equivalent to 20.5 full rakes, reflecting a steady rise in inbound freight activity.

End-to-End Freight Operations Achieved
With the commencement of both loading and unloading operations, Mendipathar has now demonstrated its ability to manage complete end-to-end freight movements. Railway officials confirmed that the station is fully equipped to handle large-scale cargo traffic, opening new possibilities for regular freight services from the state.

Economic Boost for Meghalaya
Railway authorities expect the expansion of freight operations to deliver a major economic boost to Meghalaya. Improved rail connectivity will enable smoother, more reliable, and cost-effective transportation of goods, particularly benefiting the state’s hilly and remote regions. Enhanced rail access is also expected to support local industries, expand market reach for regional commodities, and reduce logistics costs for essential supplies.

Role of Northeast Frontier Railway
Headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, the Northeast Frontier Railway oversees rail operations across the Northeastern states, along with parts of West Bengal and Bihar. This milestone at Mendipathar underscores NFR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rail infrastructure and promote inclusive economic growth across the Northeast.